Dr. John Richard "Dick" EDWARDS

EDWARDS, Dr. John Richard "Dick," age 87, of Richmond, Va., passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2009. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., the son of the late Dr. Thompson and Carmella Schlenn Edwards. Dr. Edwards was also preceded by his beloved wife, Lillian Solomon Edwards, and son, Alan Edwards. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army for four years during WWII. Dr. Edwards earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in vocal performance at Yale University and Indiana University, and his doctorate in historical musicology at the University of Iowa. He taught at the University of Mississippi, Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and for 20 years at Virginia State University, retiring in June of 1988. Upon his retirement, he was honored by being given the rank of professor emeritus for his long years of devoted service in the discipline of teaching, for exemplary performance in the classroom, and for distinguished work which was an inspiration to his many students. Dr. Edwards was also past director of publicity and past president of the Petersburg Symphony. He is survived by his children, Karen Packer and husband, Michael, of Petersburg, Rebecca Halpern and husband, Jack, of Henrico County, Va., and Steven Edwards and wife, Robin, of New York, N.Y.; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 from 11 to 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. A funeral service will begin at 11:30 a.m. with interment following in Rodolf Sholom Cemetery, Petersburg, Va. The family would like to thank the devoted caregivers Dr. Edwards had during the past two years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Petersburg Symphony at 19 Goodrich Ave., Petersburg, Va. 23805. Condolences to the family may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.